SUMMER 2019
Challenging Year for Snow Crab Negotiations
FFAW Wins Ice Skilled Trades at Compensation for Harvesters Steelfab Metal Shop IssueIssue No. No. 03 06 - Summer - Summer 2018 2019 TheThe Union Union Forum -- 1 1 2 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 SUMMER 2019 ISSUE The Union Forum
4 President’s Message 6 Message from the Industrial Director 7 Shop Steward and Grievance Handling Course 8 10th Annual World Oceans’ Day 9 Northern Harvest Committee Makes Strides with New Ownership 10 FFAW Member Photo Submissions 12 Crowd Fills Duckworth Street in Support of Inshore Fishery 15 NL-FHSA: Assessing Risk and Developing Safe Work Practices 17 Atlantic Council Reviews Year of Groundbreaking Solidarity Review Meeting Begins 17 Fish Harvesters’ Resource Centre Employees Reach New Collective Process to Manage Shrimp in Agreement Context of Changing Marine 18 International Womens’ Day 2019 Ecosystem 21 19 Improving Knowledge of Lobster Population and Change in Placentia Bay 20 Notre Dame Seafoods Votes in Favour of Collective Agreement 21 Review Meeting Begins to Manage Shrimp 22 Snow Crab Surbey Gathers Important Information from Harvesters 24 FFAW-Unifor Speaking to Senate on Bill C-69 26 New Legislation Provides Support for Victims of Family Violence 27 Member Profile: Glen Francis 28 FFAW-Unifor Scholarship Recipients 29 Provincial Ready Mix Makes Progress on Collective Agreement 29 General Price Updates Snow Crab Survey Gathers 31 Price for Cod Up Over 8% for 2019 Season 32 Harvesters Maximize Prices with Quality Handling Procedures Important Information From 33 Branding and Marketing Newfoundland and Labrador Seafood Harvesters 22 34 Challenges with Negotiating a Fair Price for Snow Crab 35 Negotiating the Price for the 2019 Shrimp Fishery 36 Skilled Trades at Steelfab Metal Fabrication Shop 37 Harvester Involvement in Planning a New Precautionary Approach 38 An Unusual Catch 39 The Continued Strength of Lobster Prices 40 Minority Government Must Honour Election Committments 41 St. Anthony Seafood Workers Ratify Collective Agreement 41 Federal Goverment Approves FFAW Request for Benefits Extension 42 FFAW | Unifor Women’s Advocates 43 FFAW | Unifor Staff Representatives 44 FFAW | Elected Leadership An Unusual Catch 47 Flashback 38
Editorial board Keith Sullivan, David Decker, The Union Forum, the official magazine of the pursuit of economic and social justice. Courtney Glode the Fish, Food and Allied Workers’ Union As a social Union, it is understood that lives (FFAW-Unifor), is distributed free of charge extend beyond the bargaining table and the FFAW | Unifor to Union members quarterly. workplace. The magazine will reflect on the struggle to make our communities, our prov- P.O. Box 10, Stn. C The FFAW-Unifor is Newfoundland and ince and our country better for all citizens by 368 Hamilton Ave., Labrador’s largest private sector union, rep- participating in and influencing the general St. John’s, NL, Canada A1C 5H5 resenting 15,000 working women and men direction of society. Tel: 576-7276· Fax: 576-1962 throughout the province, most of whom are employed in the fishing industry. The Union and/or property rights sub- Email: [email protected] ©COPYRIGHT also represents a diversity of workers in the sist in all advertising and other material ap- www.ffaw.nf.ca Web: brewing, hotel, hospitality, retail, metal fab- pearing in this edition of The Union Forum. rication, and oil industries, and is proud to be Permission to reproduce any materials con- Printing Transcontinental Printing, St. John’s affiliated with the Unifor Canada. tained in this publication, in whole or in part, Design Victoria Snelgrove must be obtained from the FFAW-Unifor. The Union Forum covers issues that matter to Union members - battles, victories and FFAW-Unifor is a member of
Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 3 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Keith Sullivan, President and plant workers affected by severe ice conditions. This was a challenge faced in 2017 and 2019 and in both cases your Union was successful in convincing the A great European federal government to act. We are currently working with labour leader once the federal government to make compensation for ice wrote said that, conditions a permanent feature of the EI system. “The supply of • We committed to reasserting the voice of harvesters words on the world is present and heard in matters of fisheries science and market is plentiful.” sustainability. To further this, we retained the services That statement has of a leading fisheries scientist to further FFAW capacity never been truer and to bring the perspective of the harvester to fishery than it is today. The science matters. market for words • Year-after-year, we continue to negotiate high prices is plentiful and it for harvesters that helps grow harvester, community, and is cheap. There regional economic sustainability. Over the past two years are numerous we have negotiated record high prices for crab, shrimp, platforms, from squid, as well as important price increases for cod. There social media to is also the FFAW lobster price formula that continues to call-in shows to provide excellent, market-based returns to harvesters. editorials, whereby one can use his or her words to make misrepresentations, • We committed to protecting owner-operator and push conspiracy theories, make empty promises, take enforcing fleet separation. For the past several years, credit for the work of others, and push ideas that are we have led a concerted effort to have Parliament pass destructive and counterproductive. legislation and regulations that will provide the legal tools necessary to break the corporate intrusion into the owner- The marketplace that matters is the marketplace of deeds. operator fleet. It is now very likely that these efforts will Deeds back up words; they bring truth to commitments come to fruition. made. In this sense, FFAW has been very strong in the marketplace of deeds. Consider the last few years in just • We committed to working to improve halibut quotas, the fishery: so that harvesters get the benefit of a booming stock. To do so, we engaged in the necessary fishery science • We committed to fight crab quota cuts in several projects to provide a better indication of the halibut stock areas that did not correspond with fisheries science and and biomass. This work is paying off and harvesters this harvester experience. We exerted maximum political year are likely going to receive a significant increase in pressure on the federal government, held a rally and the halibut quota. march along one of the busiest streets in St. John’s, and in the end the expected the quota cuts were largely • We committed to trying to provide harvester access reversed. to the growing redfish stock in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. To further this goal, we established a science program • We committed to secure compensation for harvesters focused on fishing redfish in a sustainable manner. It is
4 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE CONTINUED
our goal, our commitment, to have a redfish fishery in Words alone are flotsam – isolated, purposeless, easily the Gulf to support harvesters affected by the downturn forgotten. Deeds are the tide that shape movements in shrimp. and results and are a force to be reckoned with. FFAW These are a selection of deeds that have defined the is a force for harvesters and workers. Your Union has success of your Union the past two years. There are the resources, the expertise, the connections, the dozens more in recent memory we could draw upon and vision, and the capacity to be the rising tide that lifts all there are still more that we continue to work towards inshore ships in Newfoundland and Labrador. every day.
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Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 5 Secretary Treasurer’s Column MESSAGE FROM THE INDUSTRIAL DIRECTOR
Greg Pretty, Industrial Director By 10:30 p.m. the old traditional way of doing political business in NL had floated away, belly up, like an 18-inch cod in the recreational fishery. In anticipation of the provincial election results, I wrote two What a great smorgasbord of delectable bite-sized columns. This is not one of them. political morsels. When union members demonstrate, NDP supporters voting for Tories, particularly on the you’ll often hear the chant, “Tell me Burin Peninsula. what Democracy Looks Like!” “This Bill Matthews in the lead until his Hail Mary side-swiping is what democracy looks like!” of Lieutenant Governor Judy Foote cost him the election. It’s one of the choice nuggets of Paul Antle throwing a life-ring to a floundering Mark bullhorn diplomacy, right up there Browne and missing. with what’s become a National Paul Lane’s and Eddie Joyce’s victory signifying a rupture Chant of, “Seamus, Seamus if you’re able…” in traditional party politics. The democracy chant popped into my mind watching Townies supporting the Liberals and securing a win. the count on e-day. Roger Grimes’ evisceration of Crosbie’s infamous “No What a night! Retreat, Baby, No Surrender” harangue. I kept switching between NTV and CBC however by 8:45 Alison Coffin’s triumphant entrance at party headquarters. p.m. I was about to doze off in the chair, resigned to the fact that the results were shaping up to what most people Ball’s humility, Crosbie’s indignation and Coffin’s anticipated, a majority Liberal Government. exuberance, perhaps foreshadowing the next four years. Man, am I ever glad I didn’t nod off! In our brave, new political world of Minority Government every seat will count. Backbenchers and their constituents The next 2 hours provided some of the best election now wield a power seldom seen in NL politics. television ever. Should the minority hold, every vote will be significant. What a roller-coaster ride! Far better than the last episode Every session of the House meaningful. There will be more of Game of Thrones. accountability by all hands, from senior to rookie MHAs. Leading and elected rollercoasting every few minutes. Consensus now rules. A new life for NL democracy. Majority slipping and sliding to minority, going back to The only thing still on life-support is the traditional party solid majority, then dropping down to minority again. politics we’ve been economically lashed by for the past Leads holding solid for an hour, often with over half the 70 years. polls counted and then remarkably, the slow rise as the The purveyors of party politics aren’t going easy. These rest of the polls came in. prickly political pundits have hammered away since Liberal Ministers toppled, backbenchers summarily election night. They extoll the notoriously short life of dismissed, Tories picking up seven, Joyce and Lane now minority governments. They harp on inherent instability. confirmed independents, zero for Alliance, The NDP (New They desperately want to defeat the government ASAP Democratic Phoenix) straight out of the ashes of pundit and toss in “a head on a platter” for emphasis. and public opinion, place three members in the House. Not much to look forward to in a Minority Government Then the Grand Finale, Ches’s Contrarian Constitutional for those who’ve spent their careers making life miserable Crisis. for workers and their families.
6 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 Don’t listen to them. As I see it, a Minority Government Labrador West judicial recount. won’t be hamstrung by constant political interference, the So, Your Honour, get on with your business and “Tell us whining and wailing of the Boards of Trade and Employer what our Democracy looks like!” Council Cabals. That alone should switch the political balance from corporate to constituents. Keep your fingers crossed, so much depends on the
SHOP STEWARD AND GRIEVANCE HANDLING COURSE
On Saturday, April 13, FFAW provided a one-day Shop Steward and Grievance Handling course at the Ramada in St. John’s. Participants to the training came from Pennecon in Long Harbour and Molsons Brewery in St. John’s. “All Participants were eager to learn how to better represent their co-workers at their workplaces and were enthusiastic to participate in discussions on how to best achieve that goal. Everyone brought their knowledge of what’s happening in their respective workplaces to the table to share with other participants. It is always a good learning experience for everyone including myself as Course Facilitator,” said Allan Moulton.
Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 7 10TH ANNUAL WORLD OCEANS DAY FAMILY EVENT
The World Oceans Day free family event is held at the Marine Institute in St. John’s every June. This year marked the 10th year for the event that showcases many different organizations and marine experts with interactive booths such as touch tanks, ROVs, colouring stations and more. The FFAW-Unifor booth featured the traceability project, where attendees could check out a live lobster with a traceable tag. This free, public event is presented by Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Marine Institute, FFAW- Unifor, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, and the World Wildlife Fund – Canada.
Three year old Easton Glode checks out a traceable lobster at the FFAW-Unifor booth with staff Rachel Waye and Johan Joensen. FFAW President Keith Sullivan speaks at the opening ceremony.
One year old Jasper Rees and mom Bobbi Rees, who is a longtime member of the WOD Planning Committee pose with the WWF- Jake Joensen sits on a toy Beluga while checking out a new colouring Canada Panda book.
8 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 THE CONTINUED STRENGTH OF LOBSTER PRICES
There was nervousness at the beginning of the lobster the average price for the second to fourth week in May season this year, as lobster prices started the typical was $3.71. In 2015, it was $4.77, a 26% increase from spring trend a month earlier than usual. This was odd, 2011. In 2019, the average price was $6.26, which is a given the continued overall strength of the lobster 69% increase over 2011 and a 31% increase from 2015. market in Asia and North America.
Six weeks into the lobster season and these concerns Given the current market and exchange rate, it is have not materialized. In fact, we are seeing near-record possible that the first price posted in June will be a level prices. The lobster price setting formula has been record for NL harvesters. A $6.00 price at the beginning in place since 2011. The purpose of the formula is to of June has only been achieved one time in the past, provide prices to harvesters that are in-line with the and that was 2017 when the price was exactly $6.00. market. This is what it has successfully done for 8 years. There is also confidence that the second half of the A good indication of the strength of the overall market season will enjoy strong prices. The lobster market are the prices to harvesters for May. By May the fishery usually hits its low point around this time and if the is open in all of NL and in the other Atlantic provinces market trends of the past continue, the price should and New England. The prices in May are often indicative start to increase again in mid-June. of the prices for the season. May prices this year are very strong, the second highest since the formula started in 2011. To put the May price growth into perspective, in 2011
Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 9 FFAW MEMBER PHOTO SUBMISSIONS
Want to have your photo featured on our Facebook page or in the next Union Forum? Send it to [email protected].
Beautiful halibut caught by Rita and Rod Roul of Lawn. Angela Hallett took this photo on their first day of crab fishing in Salvage.
Clyde Cooper onboard with Chelsey and Rosalie Lambert Roland Rose of Gaultois. of Harbour Breton.
Nancy Bowers with a boat full of crab!
George Burton of Greenspond in Bonavista Bay had a catch of 3700lbs out of 120 pots in 24 hours.
Chelsea Noël and her aunt Lori Porter-Puddister fishing crab off Jim Hardy with a load of fresh her- Fred Keeping and Barry Cape St. Francis. ring bait. Macdonald.
10 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 Jeff Roberts of Hermitage. Roland Rose of Gaultois.
Tony Baker of Seal Cove. Levi Snook with Daphne Rose of Harbour Breton.
Tom Hickey of St. Jacques. Sheldon Bonnington of Admiral’s Beach in St. Mary’s Bay.
Kenneth Keeping’s granddaughter Emily, visiting from Alberta, had her 9 month photo taken in Poppy’s crab pot.
Tony Doyle and crew had a close call with an iceberg while crab Rod Smith of Belleoram. fishing off Bay de Verde.
Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 11 CROWD FILLS DUCKWORTH STREET IN SUPPORT OF INSHORE FISHERY
Harvesters, plant workers and concerned citizens filled management of our fisheries. But DFO shuts us out of the streets of downtown St. John’s on March 21 in a the science process and makes management decisions show of solidarity for our province’s inshore fishery. without consulting us.” The event began at the Delta Hotel followed by a march Hundreds of plant workers came out in support, down Duckworth Street finishing with a rally outside united with fish harvesters under a common goal for a Seamus O’Regan’s St. John’s office. Harvesters and plant sustainable inshore fishery. workers from around the province made the trip into St. “The one thing we all have in common today is survival. John’s to send a strong message to federal politicians Survival of our fishers, survival of our plants, and survival and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO). of our communities. We’re not going to stand by and let “In fisheries science and in management, DFO has DFO destroy our communities,” said Doretta Strickland, treated fish harvesters as an afterthought. As an Vice-President of FFAW-Unifor’s Executive Board and inconvenience. As a box they have to check,” said FFAW- plant worker at OCI Triton. Unifor President Keith Sullivan. Upwards of 700 packed into the Delta Hotel’s ballroom to stand up and speak out on the future of the industry. “Today let’s stand together and fight to bring these issues to the forefront for a balanced fishery where all fisheries can exist together and we can make a decent living,” said Trevor Jones, Vice-Chair of the crab committee for 3K large/supplementary fleet, bringing the crowd to their feet in support. Dwight Petten, Chair of the crab committee for 3L large/supplementary fleet, explained, “As professional fish harvesters, we support science and science-based
12 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 “Each time we come together at rallies like this I am reminded of the strength of our union and of the perseverance of fish harvesters, of plant workers, your families, your communities, and I know that this is another fight that we can win. And we will win it together!” Sullivan told the crowd. Other speakers at the event include Alton Rumbolt (Mary’s Harbour), Kenny Viscount (Placentia), Nelson Bussey (Port de Grave), Eldred Woodford (Herring Neck) and NAPE President Jerry Earle.
Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 13 14 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 NL-FHSA: ASSESSING RISK AND DEVELOPING SAFE WORK PRACTICES
In 2019, one of the goals of the Newfoundland & Labrador Fish Harvesting Safety Association (NL-FHSA) is to advance fish harvester knowledge of best practices and regulatory requirements. This will provide fish harvesters with the necessary tools to assist them in assessing the risks they face every day in their industry and provide them with the means to keep them safe in adverse conditions. As an integral part of an occupational health and safety A comprehensive risk assessment is the first step in management plan, risk assessments help to: developing written safety procedures that will ensure 1. Create awareness of hazards and risk. processes are in place to protect fish harvesters from harm. It will also enable fish harvesters to maintain 2. Identify who or what may be at risk (e.g., compliance with the Fishing Vessel Safety Regulations crew, visitors, the public, environment, etc.). introduced in 2017. So far in 2019, the NL-FHSA has 3. Determine whether a control program is developed thirty written safety procedures using required for a particular hazard. resources and input from Transport Canada, the 4. Determine if existing control measures are Professional Fish Harvesters Certification Board adequate or if more should be done. (PFHCB), the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), the Newfoundland and Labrador 5. Prevent injuries or illnesses. Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, as well 6. Prioritize hazards and control measures as local harvesters and fisheries associations across based on severity and probability. the country. These procedures are currently available 7. Meet legal requirements where applicable. to all harvesters to be used as a guide for producing their own vessel specific procedures. Staff at the NL- (Source: CCOHS website) FHSA are available to assist any harvesters who wish How does it help me? to develop their own written safety procedures, or who By completing a risk assessment, you bring awareness have questions about what is required to meet Transport to hazards that might otherwise be missed or unspoken Canada requirements. in the workplace. It often provides perspective by What is a risk assessment? engaging owner/operators and crew members in a A risk assessment is a thorough look at your workplace process of analyzing the tasks they carry out each to identify hazards (things, situations, processes, etc. day, and considering how things might go wrong. In that may cause harm, particularly to people). After completing the assessment you can start to eliminate identification is made, you analyze and evaluate how hazards that might be avoidable, as well as develop likely and severe the risk is. When this determination controls to minimize risk. is made, you can next, decide what measures should Is it required by law? be in place to effectively eliminate or control the harm Risk Assessment facilitates the development of safe from happening (CCOHS, 2019). A “control” refers to work procedures which are required by law as outlined procedures put in place to reduce the possibility that in the Newfoundland and Labrador Occupational Health a hazard could turn into an incident. By implementing and Safety Act and Regulations, and the Fishing Vessel these procedures, you are controlling risk. Safety Regulations (Section 3.16). By complying with Why do I need risk assessment? legislation, you demonstrate due diligence in managing
Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 15 the risks associated with your operations. Should an For more information or assistance with the risk incident occur, you are able to demonstrate that you assessment and written safety procedure processes, took appropriate measures to identify, eliminate and please contact us at [email protected] or by phone at control the hazards associated with your work where (709) 722-8177. reasonable practicable.
Young Worker Safety Course To Now Include Fish Harvesting
In December 2018, WorkplaceNL launched its new Young Worker Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) course to better prepare young workers as they enter the workforce by helping them understand health and safety principles and practices. The course was developed in collaboration with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and Bluedrop Performance Learning.
In the spring of 2019, the NL-FHSA partnered with WorkplaceNL and Bluedrop to develop an interactive learning module specifically for young workers to expand their knowledge of OHS and the fishing industry. The fish harvesting module offers an overview of safe work practices needed to manage the challenges associated with working on a seagoing vessel.
Every student high school student in the province will have an opportunity to take the course through the Career Development 2201 curriculum which is a mandatory course for all students prior to graduation. The Young Worker OHS course is interactive, self-directed, easy to navigate, and appeals to the needs of young learners. It takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete and learners will receive an online certificate when all five modules have been completed. This course is now available online for free through WorkplaceNL’s Certification Training Registry at workplacenl.ca
16 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 ATLANTIC COUNCIL REVIEWS YEAR OF GROUNDBREAKING SOLIDARITY AND PREPARES FOR CHANGES AHEAD
With the songs and solidarity still fresh from the fierce fightback in Gander, Unifor delegates from across Fish Harvesters’ Resource Centre the Atlantic region came back to Newfoundland and Employees Reach New Collective Labrador for the Atlantic Regional Council. Delegates Agreement looked back on that occupation at D-J Composites to defend 30 locked out sisters and brothers as perhaps For more than two decades, dockside the most memorable, but far from the only fightback monitors and dispatchers employed with the the union has had this year. Fish Harvesters’ Resource Centres (FRC) have “That week in Gander will forever live in my heart as provided the fishing industry with competent, real evidence of what union solidarity can accomplish,” consistent and impartial dockside monitoring said Lana Payne, Atlantic Regional Director. “We know services. Their continuous contribution we have serious challenges ahead to push for worker to a successful fishery is important and safety in the offshore, to defend good forestry jobs, helps sustain rural communities across support our health care workers, to demand better Newfoundland and Labrador. wages and working conditions including for minimum The recent ratification of a 3-year tentative wage workers and to stop employers from flipping agreement with their employer was widely contracts in order to bust unions or slash wages. Make supported. High participation in the negotiation no mistake, this past year is proof when we fight back, and ratification processes was noteworthy we can win big for workers.” and encouraging to their FFAW Bargaining More than 250 members, local leaders and national Committee members. staff met in St. John’s from May 1-5. They heard from In addition to wage increases and other National President Jerry Dias, invited guests and fellow meaningful benefits, this agreement focuses members who addressed sector-related workplace on improving workplace safety and implements joint mechanisms to focus on maintaining and improving sufficient monitoring capacity, respecting seniority and developing strategic approaches for improving hours of work. Congratulations to the following bargaining committee members: Ruby Sheppard, Darren Hynes, Jayne Caines, Alisa Daye, Eric Sansome and Deena Bursey.
Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 17 issues, discussions on disability rights, immigration and fighting racism. “From Goderich and Thunder Bay to Gander and GM, Unifor is fighting for workers, fighting for good jobs and fighting for investments in people and communities,” said Dias. “In the six years since we were formed our union has made a mark. We are relevant. We are a fighting union. And we are forcing those who may not like us - governments and employers alike - to respect us.”Payne made recommendations to the delegates for action the union will take in the coming year. These included support for a national forestry campaign, ensuring workers’ rights are highlighted as an issue in upcoming elections, support and collaboration with student unions, and a commitment to ending the brutal practice of police racial profiling and carding. “What affects one worker affects us all. We must challenge racism and the attacks on migrant workers. We must continue to demand better labour laws to protect workers’ rights. We must continue our fight for equality. We make a difference when we build solidarity and when we show that the real issues facing workers are the same ones we have always faced, an economic system that leaves too many behind and divides workers,” said Payne.
INTERNATIONAL WOMENS’ DAY 2019
Once again, the Annual Bread and Roses Brunch at the Holiday Inn in St. John’s was a sold-out event. Over 300 people attended the event to reflect on where we have been, celebrate what we have accomplished through the years in the struggle for equality and to commit to advocacy and action to further our goals.
18 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 IMPROVING KNOWLEDGE OF LOBSTER POPULATION AND CHANGE IN PLACENTIA BAY
Natalya Dawe, FFAW-Unifor Science Assistant DFO Ocean Protection Program. In February and March of this year, FFAW Science Lobster landings in Placentia Bay have been declining Technician Scott Smith interviewed 15 harvesters from since the 1990s. The fishery has not shown signs of around Placentia Bay. Harvesters were asked questions recovery, despite declines in fishing pressure. This has about changes to their catch rates, the sizes of lobster left many harvesters asking questions about why the in their catch, and any changes in the environment, stock hasn’t been recovering, and wondering what habitats, and lobster interactions with other species. Otters and green crab were identified as some of the key predators on lobster in Placentia Bay. Harvesters reported that green crab destroy important lobster habitat like eelgrass, and negatively impact vulnerable juvenile and molting lobsters in many parts of Placentia Bay. Harvesters also reported their concerns about the impacts that the growing seal population may have on lobster. Harvesters experienced large declines in their lobster Toby Lockyer of Lawn on the Burin Peninsula has participated in the lobster science program for many years. factors are impacting the recovery of the lobster fishery in Placentia Bay. As a result, FFAW set out to document harvesters’ knowledge of lobster in Placentia Bay, including information on current catch rates and sizes of lobster. And importantly, how and when this changed over their careers. Documentation of this knowledge is the first step in building baseline knowledge of lobster populations in Placentia Bay. This project is part of the Coastal Environmental Baseline Program, within the FFAW Science Technician Scott Smith collects data with Placentia Bay harvester Toby Lockyer.
Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 19 of undersize and egg-bearing lobsters they catch. Though many stated that they still had a long way to go to get the lobster stock back where it once was. Other changes that harvesters in Placentia Bay have experienced since they began fishing lobster include colder springs, milder winters, stronger winds and rougher seas during the lobster fishing season. Based on the information that we gathered in year 1, five monitoring sites will be set up throughout Placentia Bay in the second year of the project. At each site, we catch rates, usually starting in the 1990s or early 2000s. will collect information on the abundance, distribution, They also saw a decrease in the number of undersize and movement, and growth of undersize and small lobster, egg-bearing lobsters caught. In recent years, however, as well as information on lobsters during their first life some harvesters have seen improvements in the number stage on the seafloor. NOTRE DAME SEAFOODS VOTES IN FAVOUR OF NEW COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT
The environmental shift in Newfoundland and Labrador recognize the hard work of our bargaining committees,” has brought many challenges to the fishing industry. The said FFAW-Unifor Staff Representative, Sharon Walsh. change from a predominantly shellfish to a groundfish “This new agreement lays the groundwork for stability dominant industry also brings challenges for processing and future success in a time of industry transition. “ workers. They, too, struggle to adapt to industry In addition to wage increases, this new contract brings changes in fishing quotas and landings. improvements in safety, employee rights, protective On May 30th, 2019 employees of Norte Dame Sea clothing, and compassionate leave. The contract also Foods Inc. recently recognized the good work of ensures the introduction of the FFAW-Unifor Workplace their FFAW bargaining committee when they voted Women’s Advocate Program and Paid Domestic overwhelmingly in favour of a progressive 3-year Violence Leave. tentative agreement that advances working conditions Congratulations to our bargaining committee. Members and pay. of the bargaining committee were Flora Mills, Cavell “In these difficult times it’s even more important to Watkins and Gloria Hill.
Bargaining committee Flora Mills, Cavell Watkins and Gloria Hill.
20 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 REVIEW MEETING BEGINS PROCESS TO MANAGE SHRIMP IN CONTEXT OF CHANGING MARINE ECOSYSTEM
FFAW-Unifor has long asserted that it makes no scientific sense to have independent rebuilding plans for species such as northern shrimp and northern cod when the two species have a predator-prey relationship. The two species overlap, and it is well known that cod prey on shrimp. The high abundance of shrimp occurred during a period of record-low cod biomass, so to have two Limit Reference Points (LRP) set during vastly different time periods, and therefore marine environments, is baffling to fish harvesters. Our Union has argued that the LRP for northern shrimp in Shrimp Fishing Area (SFA) 6 must take into account the increasing biomass of northern cod and the effect that will have on the growth of northern shrimp. Our Union was successful in pushing DFO to hold a review meeting with the purpose of developing a new stock assessment model for northern shrimp. Rendell Genge and Dwight Russell. That meeting was held May 15-17 in St. John’s and comprised a mix of DFO Science and industry distribution has shifted as harvesters are seeing the representatives, including FFAW-Unifor Scientist Dr. animals inshore for longer periods. Erin Carruthers and fish harvesters Rendell Genge and Rendell Genge, 4R shrimp harvester who has fished Dwight Russell. SFA6 since the late 1990s, pointed out that the Although this meeting did not immediately result in northern shrimp stock continued to grow in the face a revised LRP for SFA 6, as was the intended goal of of high fishing removals throughout the early 2000s. our Union, considerable progress was made. The This is a key observation for the development of meeting provisionally accepted a new northern shrimp a management plan that could include growth and assessment model that will now take into account the recovery rates in the setting of targets. northern cod biomass as one of the drivers of shrimp More work must be done to build reference points for abundance. This is a first step in managing shrimp in northern shrimp that make sense in the current marine the context of a changing marine ecosystem, and it is environment. Having harvesters’ knowledge, expertise the first step to achieving a revised northern shrimp and experience at the table is crucial for these science reference point for SFA 6. and management meetings because what happens at Harvesters played an important role at the review these tables shapes how fisheries are managed into meeting and put forth valuable contributions. the future. It’s essential that fish harvesters continue For example, long-time Labrador shrimp harvester to play this role as we work towards developing a new and 2J fleet chair Dwight Russell commented on model for assessing northern shrimp. Fish harvesters the importance of considering the effects of other and other industry stakeholders were key participants predators in addition to cod. Not only are harvesters in the review meeting and these stakeholders must reporting a larger abundance of seals, but the seals’ continue to be included going forward.
Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 21 SNOW CRAB SURVEY GATHERS IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM HARVESTERS
Miranda Mcgrath, FFAW-Unifor Science Project Coordinator over a 5-year period. 50% of the stations would be core stations and would be comparable to the time series, while 50% of the stations would be stratified random Who better to provide actual fishing information than and would not be compared in assessment until there harvesters themselves – the Collaborative Post Season was 5 years of random data. Snow Crab Survey proves this time and time again. Right now, the Post Season Snow Crab Survey boasts the The annual Snow Crab Survey was first implemented in 2003 as a result of discussions between harvesters and the scientists at DFO. Prior to this being executed the main index of abundance was from the DFO trawl surveys – which harvesters and FFAW knew had limitations in assessing this valuable resource. From its start-up in 2003 up until 2016 the survey remained constant – harvesters would set 6 pots inshore and 10 pots offshore at each station and those stations remained consistent year to year. The original core stations were set as a result of harvesters and scientists agreeing that historical fishing grounds and some variations outside of those areas would be a good representative of what’s available in the respective area. In 2017 it was suggested that a change of stations may be beneficial to the study of the entire stock – seeing what’s happening beyond these “core” original stations. After the 2017 survey the fleet chairs met with DFO science and management to discuss where the survey would go moving forward. DFO promoted a fully randomized survey – changes to stations each year in a random manner, while harvesters argued that the core stations were important because of the 15- year time series already developed. The table was able to come to terms with agreeing that throwing out the past information was not acceptable and that they’d test a random survey by developing a 50/50 survey
22 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 widest spread coverage of the stock for Newfoundland harvesters. Harvesters have noted the importance and Labrador and is constantly improving. Interest in the of having small mesh pots in their surveys – and in survey is just as widespread with almost 650 harvesters turn FFAW has been pushing for more funding for the
from all areas of the province applying to participate last distribution of the pots. year. With that in mind the FFAW has taken steps to Small Mesh Distribution: increase the variation in participation within the survey • 2015 = 138 small mesh • 2016 = 304 small mesh (120% increase) • 2017 = 496 small mesh (63% increase) • 2018 = 778 small mesh (57% increase – a 464% increase from 2015) The small mesh pots are used in assessments to provide an index of future recruitment based on the catch rates of pre-recruits. In the past there has been limited coverage with small mesh pots but the goal is to have all stations with small mesh pots in the coming years and be able to strengthen the certainty in the results from the small mesh stations.
Interested in participating in the Post-Season Snow Crab Survey? Applications are mailed out to harvesters in June of each year – or you can obtain by implementing a 6-pool application system (Effective one by reaching out to our science team at 576-7276. June 2017) as opposed to the original 3 pool setup. The FFAW has also taken steps to develop the distribution of small mesh pots by the request of
Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 23 FFAW-UNIFOR SPEAKING TO SENATE ON BILL C-69
Robyn Lee, FFAW-Unifor Petroleum Industry Liaison
Keith Sullivan spoke to the Senate’s Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Committee on April 23, 2019, in St. John’s. The Committee held hearings throughout the country in response to concerns that the proposed federal legislation, known as Bill C-69, could deter future investment in the oil and gas sector. The Bill has already been passed in the House of Commons. The proposed legislation, which will be known as the Impact Assessment Act, will restructure the environmental assessment process for energy projects in Canada. It proposes to repeal the 2012 Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, retire the National Energy Board, makes amendments to the Navigation Protection Act and make consequential amendments hearing. They included the types of projects designated to other Acts. The Impact Assessment Agency of under the proposed Impact Assessment Act; the Canada and the Canadian Energy Regulator will assessment of socio-economic impacts of these become the authorities responsible for assessing the projects; the role of the offshore Petroleum Boards, environmental, health, social and economic impacts Review Panels and Advisory Councils; and the inclusion of designated projects. of Regional Assessments in this legislation. Mr. Sullivan The Harper government gutted Environmental also commented on what our Union believes would be Assessment legislation in 2012 when it rewrote the “meaningful consultation” as outlined in Bill C-69 and 1992 Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. This why the role of key stakeholders in planning of these was designed to fast-track projects. The re-written projects must be clearly defined. legislation (from 2012) makes it possible for some Bill C-69 is an improvement over the existing projects to avoid the full environmental assessment legislation. However, there is opportunity for further process and limits public input into the process. During improvement. It is vital that all offshore oil and gas the formal review of a project, only those who are projects are thoroughly reviewed as the environmental “directly affected” by the project may participate. The assessment process is very important to the health legal meaning of “directly affected” refers generally to of our fishing industry. Our voices must be at the persons who own property within one kilometer of the forefront in decisions that significantly impact our project. As fish harvesters do not own ocean property, livelihoods and our communities. Proper assessment of in this context they are therefore not directly affected the social and economic impacts of designated projects by offshore projects. is therefore a critical part of the environmental process. FFAW-Unifor members have serious concerns regarding The energy committee studying Bill C-69 was to report expansion of oil and gas activities over traditional back to Senate on its cross-Canada tour on May 9. fishing grounds. The hearing was an opportunity to This is the most controversial bill in the Senate at speak to the proposed legislation especially the lack the moment as several amendments to the proposed of consideration being given to the fishing industry as legislation are being debated. Delays to decisions are offshore oil and gas expansion continues. expected. Several key points were raised by FFAW-Unifor at the
24 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 Hazards are not always so obvious.
Take time to evaluate the risks and follow safe work practices to get you and your crew home safely.
A message from the NL Fish Harvesting Safety Association Committed to harvesters coming home safely to their families.
709-722-8177 www.nlfhsa.com
Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 25 NEW LEGISLATION PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR VICTIMS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE
Tina Pretty, FFAW-Unifor Women’s Coordinator An employee can use family violence leave to seek help for themselves or their dependents for the following reasons: As of January 1, 2019, the Labour Standards Act • Medical attention or counselling services related to was amended to include Family Violence Leave. For physical, psychological or emotional harm or injury or employees who find themselves in family violence disability as a result of family violence situations there is now a job-protection leave they can access to get services and help they need. • Access the services of a shelter, police, government (federal, provincial, municipal) or organizations that One of the key findings of a 2014 survey showed that provide services to victims of family violence one in three workers in Canada have experienced domestic violence. Other statistics showed that a high • Legal services and assistance related to family violence percentage of survivors reported that DV negatively • Moving their place of residence affected their working lives, they had difficulty Employees in NL are eligible for family violence leave concentrating on tasks, and abusive acts occurred at if they have been with the same employer for 30 days or near the workplace - among many other revealing and if they or their dependents have been directly or findings. The information led to domestic violence leave indirectly subjected to family violence. legislation being implemented all over the country. An employee may be required to provide the employer Some folks ask if it’s necessary to provide family with a reasonable verification of the necessity of the violence leave to victims of domestic or intimate leave. Verification would only be required in the event partner violence. Well, here are some stats to ponder: the employer asks for it. In that case, individuals can one woman is killed by her intimate partner every six provide any reasonable verification such as a note days in Canada and Indigenous women are killed at from a doctor, lawyer, counsellor, police officer, shelter six times the rate of non-Indigenous women; on any worker, etc. given night, there are 3,491 women and their 2,724 children sleeping in shelters because home is not safe; Victims may be concerned about their jobs and the and nationally, family violence costs our economy $7.4 possibility of being laid off or being fired. The new billion a year. Necessary? Damn right. amendments provide for this and employers cannot terminate an employee for requesting or taking family Here is the quick and dirty of what the amendment to violence leave. the Labour Standards Act will mean for people who experience family violence. First and foremost, this And what about confidentiality? An employer or a leave allows an employee time off work to address person employed by an employer is required to keep issues arising from this violence without fear of losing confidential all information pertaining to this leave. their job. The labour movement, including FFAW-Unifor, our The types of acts that would constitute family violence national union Unifor, along with many women’s run the gamut from assault, bodily harm or threat of organizations were instrumental in lobbying government bodily harm, confinement, sexual assault, exploitation to get this leave drafted and legislated. While there was or molestation or threat of either, conduct that causes disappointment that only three days of the 10 are to a person to fear for their safety or causes psychological be paid, it is a step in the right direction. Having access or emotional fear to the employee or their dependent, to family violence leave will go a long way to helping conduct that controls access to financial resources, victims and their children leave abusive situations deprivation of necessities of life – food, clothing, without fear of losing one of their most valuable assets medical attention, shelter, transportation, etc. – their ability to earn a living.
26 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 MEMBER PROFILE
GLEN FRANCIS, FFAW SHIPS Glen Francis has been the Union Delegate for the past DELEGATE, CANSHIP UGANE LTD. nine years, representing and advocating for FFAW-Unifor members working on the tug boats operating out of Placentia Bay, NL. Placentia Bay is touted as one of the world’s largest and deepest bays. As such, it is home to a major marine transhipment facility located in Whiffen Head. This facility was specifically designed to handle crude oil production from the oil fields located offshore NL and has been in operation since 1988. Tankers transporting oil from the offshore to the facility are escorted in and out the bay by two tugs – Placentia Pride and Placentia Hope – responsible for docking and undocking tankers visiting the terminal. Hailing from the community of Burin, which was settled as a fishing community, Glen more than appreciates the importance of doing so with safety and environmental care. Glen was raised in Burin by his mother, Margaret, and his father, Ernest, along with seven sisters and four brothers. All the brothers and three of the seven sisters relied upon the fishery for employment. As did Glen. His relationship with the fishery began in 1985 when he returned home from serving in the Royal Canadian Regiment Infantry and gained employment as a deckhand on fishing vessels including - shrimp boats, freezer draggers, and wet-fish trawlers up until the moratorium. At that time, the Tags program offered an opportunity for certified, skills training. Glen maintains that the warmth and solitude of the kitchen and the fact that he has always enjoyed cooking led him to his profession aboard the Tug boat with a healthy respect for both industries. Glen makes his way over the road from Belleview, where he resides with his fiancé, Rebecca, to Whiffen Head to join the Placentia Pride on a two-week rotation. No doubt, the five-person crew are happy to see Glen arrive for his shift. As cook-seaman, he is tasked to deliver tasty, nutritious meals to assist with maintaining health and energy at sea, not to mention a sense of well-being when spending weeks on a confined space on the water. A usual workday for Glen begins at 6 am and ends at 6 pm, unless of course, he’s needed to assist with deck duties at night. He enjoys the opportunity to interact with crew at meal times as well as the solitude of a quiet cup of coffee when the day allows. At the end of the shift, Glen looks forward to returning home to spend time with Rebecca and Naynay (the cat), and as much time tending to the vegetable and flower gardens, cutting wood, hunting and other outside tasks as NL weather will permit. At the top of the bucket list is to retire at age 60 and spend more time at the cabin - as he loves the outdoors.
Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 27 FFAW-UNIFOR SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Each year, FFAW-Unifor awards scholarships to deserving post-secondary students. Congratulations to this year’s recipients and best wishes in your academic endeavours.
Angela Careen of Port Lance, par- Daniel Joseph Noseworthy of Port Jeff Walsh of Paradise, parents ents Walter and Wanda Careen aux Choix, parents Keith and Sandra Jarvis and Lisa Walsh Noseworthy
Katie Hobbs of Stock Cove, parents Maria Blake of Straitsview, parents Olivia Corbett of Harbour Main, Melvin and Sharon Hobbs Cyril and Barbara Blake parents James and Sandra Corbett
28 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 PROVINCIAL READY MIX MAKES PROGRESS ON COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT Vice President Nancy Lawrence, Staff Rep Allan Moulton, and Chairperson Katie Manning.
Provincial Ready Mix is the contractor hired by Vale in shortly. Workers are excited at the prospect of their Long Harbour for all janitorial work at the nickel plant. first collective agreement,’ said Moulton. The new committee recently met with the Union’s “The women employed by Provincial Ready Mix have Allan Moulton to discuss progress on the first collective suffered greatly as a result of a glaring weakness of the agreement. NL Labour Relations Act,” said Industrial-Retail-Offshore Negotiations began in 2016 and have since been Director Greg Pretty. ongoing with an application for conciliation filed and “In Newfoundland and Labrador, the law states you have subsequent requests to the Department of Labour to a legal right to join a Union. But that’s where it stops. impose a first contract. There’s no legal right to a first collective agreement. “It’s been an extremely frustrating process for workers,” Companies can stall, refuse to bargain and change said Moulton. “We encountered numerous scheduling meeting dates repeatedly,” said Pretty. delays in getting to the bargaining table where most “The process should react more rapidly if an employer times very little progress was made, hence our tries to break the Union or weaken the resolve of the application for first contract legislation to have the workers to have a collective agreement. The process Province impose an agreement on the company.” should be much more responsive to workers. They have “We’ve had to ask twice and, finally, this time it appears a right to a Union and they should have a right to a timely we are close to our first collective agreement as the collective agreement should the employer disrespect Labour Relations Board should announce dates very their wishes to become Unionized,” said Pretty.
Price Updates: Lumproe and Whelk
Lumproe: The price schedule this year provides for a minimum price of $1.50 per pound, which is a 30 cent increase on the minimum price of 2018. The $1.50 is based on a market price of $900 CAD per ba. For every $4.00 increase in the price of a barrel, the price to the harvester will increase by 1 cent. Market changes will be calculated at the end of the season, and harvesters will be paid any amounts owed over and above the $1.50 minimum. Whelk: The price for whelk shall be a floating price, as determined between harvester and buyer.
Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 29 A union for everyone.
Employed, self-employed or under-employed: everyone deserves fair wages, good benefits and a safe workplace.
Get to know us at unifor.org @Unifortheunion
30 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 PRICE FOR COD UP OVER 8% FOR 2019 SEASON
Robert Keenan, FFAW-Unifor Projects Manager sought a price increase in 2018 and was extremely frustrated and disappointed when the Standing Fish Cod negotiations were held in St. John’s May 13th to Price Setting Panel did not side with us. 15th. For the second year in a row, ASP represented the With the reality that the market improved two years processors, whereas previously negotiations were held primarily with Icewater Seafoods. Cod is amongst the most complex species for price negotiations. There are a large number of processing companies involved and many different products produced that have distinct differences in market val The other major challenge in establishing a price for cod is the nature of the Newfoundland and Labrador cod fishery. The cod fishery in our province is still very small, which makes it difficult to build efficiencies. The lack of efficiency is particularly impactful with respect to transportation costs. Currently, transportation costs
ago but not over the past year, FFAW and ASP agreed to a price increase of seven cents per pound on grade “A” cod. The per pound price of grade “A” cod will be 82 cents until August 3rd, after which the price will increase from the wharf to the plant are estimated at 20 cents to 90 cents per pound. The prices for grade “B” and “C” per pound, which is very high for a product with the remain unchanged. value of cod. Overall, this represents an 8.4% increase in the price As the fishery grows, efficiencies in transportation will from 2018. It is also an important price breakthrough improve. Over the past few years, cod quota increases that acknowledges the increased value of cod in the have allowed for transportation costs to decreased marketplace. With the great diversity in the cod markets slightly, from 22 cents to 20 cents. As these costs and product forms, it is clear that this industry would decrease further, harvesters will see the benefit. benefit greatly from more transparent reporting from processors on product form and value. According to the two market reports provided for negotiations, year-over-year the market for cod was not While improving incrementally, cod prices to harvesters significantly better. The increase in cod prices occurred are continuing a general upward trend after the price between 2017 and 2018, which is why your Union collapse of the financial crisis in 2008-2009.
Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 31 HARVESTERS MAXIMIZE PRICES WITH QUALITY HANDLING PROCEDURES
Justin Strong, FFAW-Unifor Science Assistant The act of cod sampling adheres to the Cod Quality Grading Sample Collection Protocol, which sets out Over the last few years, improvements have been made how samples are selected, separated, and identified. in the grading and handling of cod in order to promote Within the Cod Quality program, grading processes a quality-based fishery. Although much work remains in plants are often monitored by FFAW Cod Quality to be done, these changes have opened up an avenue Grading Technicians, who observe the graders to ensure by which harvesters can land top grade fish and be consistency and transparency in the grading process. compensated for it. Grading and handling protocols Since 2014, cod is graded, and harvesters are developed by the FFAW with harvesters, processors, compensated, according to quality. There are four and other collaborators have provided a way forward separate grades - Grade “A”, “B”, “C”, or rejected – that towards a new quality-based cod fishery and ultimately are based on a set of criteria related to the quality of the a larger and more lucrative market. fish. The criteria are set out in the Cod Quality Grading The cod quality system is enshrined in the collective Specifications contained in the collective agreement agreement between FFAW and the Association of on cod. In total, cod are graded using nine separate Seafood Producers, which is binding on all processors criteria: colour, texture, bruising, staining, blood clots, in the province. When purchased by the processor, cod ripping, temperature, parasites, and odour. For example, are graded at the plant using protocols set forth in the the texture of Grade A fish is a firm fillet with very collective agreement. Grades are determined from a little broken surface area (up to 10% of the total area), sample of the total landed catch; the number of fish whereas a moderately soft fillet with breakage on over sampled depends on the weight of the landing. For a quarter of the total surface area would be classified instance, for landings of less than 2000 pounds 10 fish as Grade C. are sampled, while landings between 2000 and 4000 Using the Cod Quality Handling protocols harvesters pounds have 15 fish sampled. For the largest category are able to consistently maximize quality and avoid (landings of 50,000 pounds or more), 40 cod are sampled. the negative characteristics that result in lower grades and lower prices. Ultimately, the presence of parasites the contract as well through your FFAW Staff Representative. of harvesters identifies penalties for issues that affect quality outside control. find this information in You can buyer also handles fish properly. Harvesters should have which Cod Schedule, of the good understanding a To ensure quality of your catch is maintained until it arrives grading for that the it is important at the plant, HANDLING FOR QUALITY THE HARVESTER DOESN’T END WITH POOR TEXTURE NOT PROPERLY BLED GOOD QUALITY is the only criterion over which participants have no control - all other criteria are influenced by the actions of harvesters, wharf workers, transport companies, and processors throughout the chain of custody. Every person in this chain must do their part to ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador cod remains of the highest quality as it makes its way to the market and plates of consumers around the world. As the cod fishery continues to expand, our province will need close to 100% Grade A to take advantage of these once-frozen and fresh markets. Building a quality-based system requires incentive and cooperation. Adopting the practices that will ensure quality - be it during handling, transport, or grading - should be at the forefront of our minds as we continue to create long-term value within the fishery.
32 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 BRANDING AND MARKETING NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR SEAFOOD
Johan Joensen, FFAW-Unifor Industry Liaison been on two species – Lobster and Halibut – for which in 2019 there has been an increase in the number of The seafood marketplace is competitive. tags that have been distributed. By using traceability it is possible to see that product from our members In an effort to ensure Newfoundland and Labrador do in fact go to all corners of the world. Since the first products stand out, your union has worked over the lobster fishery opened on April 22nd, 2019, we have past five years to enhance the visibility of our products. seen the traffic on the SeafoodNL website originate We started by co-branding with ThisFish, a platform from four continents; eighteen (18) countries; and two for linking the primary producer (harvester) and the hundred and one (201) communities. end consumer. Four years ago, FFAW established its At the time of writing there has been engagement on own Seafood Newfoundland and Labrador brand and the traceability program from all over the world. website.
This year there is greater cooperation and collaboration Looking at a couple of countries to which we have on FFAW branding, which is allowing the for increased seen product, there is a vast geographic distribution growth of the project. In light of this there has been of seafood, in this case particularly lobster, from a targeted effort put into broadening the coverage of Newfoundland and Labrador. In the US the program has seen 183 engagement from 18 different states, with the most (32) coming from New York State. Similarly, there were a number of visits from China, in fact there were 98 engagements distributed across 46 different communities, with the most (10) coming from the city of Shenzhen. It is exciting to see where our product ends up. The efforts of harvesters in this small province reach the harvesters participating in the program. world. The particular focus of branding and traceability has
Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 33 CHALLENGES WITH NEGOTIATING A FAIR PRICE FOR SNOW CRAB
Robert Keenan, FFAW-Unifor Project Manager As the season progressed, the market did not develop as we expected. By the end of April, the market had softened, dropping to $7.95 in four wee At that point, This year, crab negotiations brought both progress and ASP applied to the Panel for a price reconsideration. frustration. The regularly scheduled crab negotiations A price reconsideration can only be heard if there is a got underway on March 25th in St. John’s and the significant change in market or currency. A 70 cent drop Standing Fish Price Setting Panel hearing was held on in the market would be considered significant under most March 28th. circumstances. But in the case of the ASP, harvesters As crab harvesters know, in 2018 the Panel sided with have no idea on the actual market price processors the price submission of ASP, which was $4.55. This price receive and how a change in the market affects their was based on a $7.95 USD price. Early on in the crab financial position. season, however, the marketplace had moved past this At the reconsideration hearing, ASP repeatedly dismissed price point. With processing companies making huge our statements on publicly-available market prices profits on millions of pounds of crab that was selling at with a curt “Not our prices.” ASP’s position was highly record prices to Japanese and American buyers, FFAW hypocritical. It sought a price reconsideration based filed for a price reconsideration from the Panel. The on one market and then dismissed the applicability of Panel agreed that there needed to be a new price, but this market to its argument before the Panel. FFAW sided with ASP once again, and the new price was $4.90. challenged ASP to provide a copy of a contract from At this year’s negotiation, the crab negotiating one of its members to prove the impact of the decline committee was focused on achieving the best possible in market prices. ASP did not do so. price for crab–a fair price for harvester. At the time of In the end, the Panel sided with ASP and reduced negotiations, the market price for 5-8 oz sections was the price by 48 cents to $4.90. At the time of that $8.65 USD. Even more encouraging were the prices decision, the Panel stated that the price of snow crab for larger 8-10 oz crab, which were well over $10.00 was trending downward which justified a lower price. USD. The market reports the parties received before However, instead of decreasing, the price of snow crab negotiations were mostly positive, with the price has steadily increased over the past two weeks. When forecast speaking to market stability. the Panel made its decision in May, the market price The negotiating committee was very firm in its was $7.95; it has since risen to $8.15 and shows positive commitment to secure a strong price for harvesters, signs of further increases. as both the market price and currency had improved On June 1, FFAW filed an application for reconsideration. over 2018. Over two full days of negotiations, FFAW The Panel accepted the FFAW’s request and a hearing and ASP exchanged arguments and price offers. For the was held on June 5. The Panel selected the FFAW negotiating committee, the minimum price had to be well negotiating committee’s price of $5.07, as opposed to over $5.00; ASP were adamant about not considering a ASP’s offer of $4.95. price with a five in front of it. Over 30%, or 12 million pounds, of crab was still in the In the end, the crab price was settled at the Panel. The water at the time of the price consideration and ensures FFAW argument was very strong and connected to that those harvesters with remaining quota get a fair the facts of the market. In the end, the Panel selected price for their catch. the FFAW price of $5.38. This was a good price for harvesters. Given the challenges with the resource, a CONTINUED ON 35 price like this helped ease the burden.
34 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 As a Union, we cannot be complacent when faced their catch. This was undoubtedly a difficult year of with unfair prices and we have to use every tool negotiations and without the volunteered time and we have available to increase minimum prices. Our dedication of the FFAW negotiating committee that was Union is constantly monitoring the market to ensure comprised of 12 harvesters, this would not be possible. that harvesters are paid a fair and accurate price for As crab harvesters know, in 2018 the Panel sided with the price submission of ASP, which was $4.55. This price
NEGOTIATING THE PRICE FOR THE 2019 SHRIMP FISHERY
Negotiations for spring shrimp prices were held in St. After two days of difficult negotiations, FFAW and John’s in the last week of April. The shrimp committee, ASP agreed to a minimum blended price of $1.78. This representing the various fleets in the province, led the is the highest spring price ever for NL harvesters and negotiations for FFAW. the second highest price ever. Though quotas are down The market this year for shrimp was much the same significantly, the high price does provide some stability as last fall, though there were some improvements and sustainability to the northern shrimp fishery. in currency. The demand for cold water shrimp is still strong and does not appear to be weakening in the near future.
Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 35 SKILLED TRADES AT STEELFAB METAL FABRICATION SHOP
SteelFab is a local, family owned business located in the St. Ann’s Industrial Park in Paradise. The employees became members of the FFAW in the early nineties and will soon celebrate 30 years of Union membership. The shop currently employs 15 workers both in skilled trades and production. The Company is very strong in steel sales and fabrication and have always retained a strong link to the local area, servicing fish harvesters’ fabrication needs throughout the Avalon Peninsula and beyond. Last year Steelfab, sprung into action when fishers in Torbay were without a crane to unload their catch. Management called our office to help and offered a jib crane, free of charge to the fishers of Torbay. Our Steelfab members quickly assembled the crane and delivered it to the wharf in Torbay. That is what solidarity looks like.
36 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 HARVESTER INVOLVEMENT IN PLANNING A NEW PRECAUTIONARY APPROACH FOR SNOW CRAB
Dr. Erin Carruthers, FFAW-Unifor Scientist and the types of information needed. Harvesters from all fleets highlighted the need to manage not only for Before the start of the 2019 snow crab fishery, FFAW- sustainability but also the need to manage for stability. Unifor met with crab fleet chairs throughout the province to develop a new assessment strategy for a sustainable, What harvesters said at the series of meetings from Port stable and prosperous crab fishery in Newfoundland Hope-Simpson in Labrador to St. John’s will help direct and Labrador. FFAW’s research efforts in the coming months as we
The meetings were about more than responding to the analyze data provided by DFO Science. The overall goal proposed Precautionary Approach (PA) framework that is to move forward with a plan for the snow crab fishery was presented earlier this year from DFO. Instead, we that makes sense. It has to make sense for both for asked harvesters to reflect on their decades of crab harvesters as well as for DFO Science and Management. fishing experience. Many harvesters in Newfoundland and Labrador have experience fishing both healthy and The series of meetings with crab fleet chairs in April growing crab stocks but also experience fishing during and May were the initial step in building this plan. It was periods of decline and low catch rates. Based on this important to get direction from the fleets before the knowledge and experience, harvesters described what fishing season began. Following the 2019 crab fishing they’ve seen, which includes signals or indicators of stock season, and following a fair bit of work by consulting health. And indicators of stock health are the building scientist Earl Dawe and FFAW’s Erin Carruthers, we are blocks of any assessment framework, including a PA. committed to bringing our results back out to the crab committees and to the fleets this fall. We are looking During each of the meetings, there was thoughtful forward to the next set of discussions and to building and vigorous discussion about targets for the fishery, something better, together with harvesters and with about periods with steady healthy catch rates and about DFO Science and Management. periods to be avoided, those with soft-shell issues and low catch rates. We discussed management approaches
Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 37 AN UNUSUAL CATCH
Members have sent in some amazing photos of their catches this season, and even more remarkable are some of the unusual lobsters! According to an article in the Boston Globe, genetic variations similar to what gives humans different eye colours can explain the many interesting variations of lobster we sometimes come across on the water.
Lucas Price caught this vibrant blue lobster in Garnish. Reg Drake caught this rare albino lobster in June of 2014. Albino lobster are 1-in-100 million, and the chances of catching one are even less. Reg was from Lourdes and sadly passed away in 2017.
Roy Burton, who fishes out of Greenspond, shared this photo of a 3-clawed lobster. Bruce Oram of Hare Bay with his catch, a 7lb lobster.
Michael Stoodley and his father Paul caught this unusual looking Trina Grandy of Garnish caught this blue lobster out of Fortune lobster in Harbour Breton. Bay.
38 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 NORTHERN HARVEST COMMITTEE MAKES STRIDES WITH NEW OWNERSHIP
Almost a year ago, Marine Harvest, with the blessing “This new relationship is not without its challenges. of Canada’s Competition Bureau, announced that it The negotiations were an opportunity to achieve a has acquired Northern Harvest Sea Farms NL Ltd. The common understanding and lay the groundwork for arrival of Marine Harvest in NL presents an opportunity future success. They were tough negotiations and the to do things differently in the aquaculture industry. committee worked diligently to ensure the tentative Not just for economic viability, but an opportunity for agreement included improvements to workers incomes responsible farming, meaningful jobs and respectful and working conditions,” said Sharon Walsh, FFAW Staff collective bargaining and labour relations. Representative. On April 29th, 2019, FFAW members employed at In addition to wage increases – this new contract Northern Harvest took initial steps towards solidifying achieves meaningful advances in health, safety, that new relationship and to lay the groundwork for education and retirement benefits. Congratulations to future success. Members voted in favour to ratify a our bargaining committee: Steve Casey, Maisie Baker new collective agreement that will provide additional and Chris Dyke along with the company on achieving benefits over the next three years. a progressive 3-year agreement.
Now Servicing the Northern Peninsula! Seafarer’s /Marine Medicals
Main Street Medical Clinic offers Marine Medicals right here in St. Anthony! This is one of the many medicals that we complete at our office.
Our office in St. Anthony is staffed with a clinic lead and a Registered Nurse. Dr. Young also makes scheduled visits each month to complete services.
If you are due for your marine medical, or any medical, please contact the Occupational Health Coordinator for more information and to book your appointment.
One phone call or one email away from all your booking needs;
Telephone: 709.673.8696 m Email: [email protected]
Main Street Medical Clinic m Head office - 165 Main Street, Springdale, NL A0J 1T0 m Website: https://mainstreetclinic.ca
Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 39 MINORITY GOVERNMENT MUST HONOUR ELECTION COMMITMENTS
Jessica McCormick, FFAW-Unifor Director of Public Affairs processors during price negotiations but offered no specific details on how they would address this issue. Transparency and accurate information on production, Early in the provincial election campaign, FFAW-Unifor yield and domestic and international prices for sent each of the four major parties a questionnaire all species of fish and accompanying by-products seeking responses from the parties to questions that processed in Newfoundland and Labrador is critical to are of significant importance to Union members. securing fair prices for harvesters. This must be one of Based on the responses, your Union developed a the first issues addressed by government in the new provincial election report card, grading responses to legislative session. FFAW-Unifor will be following up a questionnaire on key issues affecting the Union’s with the Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources, membership relating to fish harvesting, processing and Gerry Byrne, to ensure it is a priority. labour relations. Responses were mixed on the question of how each Throughout the campaign period, the parties did not party would ensure skilled trades and metal fabrication talk much about the fishery. The lack of discussion on work related to provincial megaprojects is carried out one of the province’s most important industries was by Newfoundland and Labrador workers. On labour disappointing to many FFAW-Unifor members and relations, the Liberal Party committed to consultation other industry stakeholders. However, our Union was and review of existing Labour Relations legislation. pleased that all parties responded to our questionnaire, The NDP made specific commitments to amendment making clear where they stand on important issues and legislation that protects workers’ rights while the NL giving our members a mechanism to hold government Alliance expressed support for labour laws that are fair to account on their election commitments. and equitable without providing any specific details. All parties who responded to the questionnaire You can read the full questionnaire and responses at understand the important role renewed groundfish www.ffaw.nf.ca. fisheries will play in the future of the province. Only The outcome of the most recent election represents three parties affirmed their support for the federal a significant opportunity for constituents and civil government’s commitment that the 115,000 metric society groups to hold politicians to account on their tonnes of northern cod be allocated to owner-operator election commitments. A minority government will fish harvesters and Indigenous groups. The PC Party require more collaboration and compromise within did not make this commitment. the House of Assembly and an opportunity for us to In response to concerns about the future of the fishery leverage the newfound influence and strength of all and the current demographic challenges facing the parties and independents to advance the interests of industry, the parties were clear that we must find new our members. ways to help young harvesters enter the fishery through With the House of Assembly opening again on June education, training, access to capital and enforcement 10th, it will certainly be interesting to see how our of the fleet separation policy. elected representatives perform in this new political Unfortunately, most parties lacked in their commitment era for the province. It is in all our interests for MHAs to to mitigate the impacts of the oil and gas industry find some common ground. If they can’t work together, on the fishery. Only the NDP made clear commits to we’ll find ourselves at the ballot box again sooner than funding additional research on the effects of seismic we think. testing on fish stocks. On transparency in fish price negotiations, all parties highlighted the need for more information from
40 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 ST. ANTHONY SEAFOOD WORKERS RATIFY COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT
Employees have accepted a one-year deal from the “This wasn’t an easy agreement to achieve by any management of St. Anthony Seafoods. The bargaining measure,” said Pretty. committee met the Company in St. John’s in March Both Clearwater and the Union are looking forward and hammered out a deal that both parties say will be to greater stability as a result of processing multiple reviewed at the end of this year. species in 2019 including industrial shrimp, crab and “We held the ratification meeting held in St. Anthony several groundfish species. This will certainly enhance on April 25,” said IRO Director Greg Pretty. “I have the company’s bottom line and the employee’s futures. to commend Keith Best and Trudy Byrne for the hard The new contract expires in December 2019. work and strong representation at the table on behalf of our St. Anthony members,”
Trudy Byrne and Keith Best. Juanita Elliott and Rose Byrne.
Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 41 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT APPROVES FFAW REQUEST FOR BENEFITS EXTENSION
On May 22, the federal government announced The Ice Assistance Emergency Program is a grant funding through an Ice Assistance Emergency program, not an EI extension, and will be available to Program for fish harvesters impacted by the harvesters who are unable to fish due to unseasonably delayed opening of the fishery due to severe ice severe ice conditions once their 2019 EI benefits claim has ended. Information on how to apply is available online on the DFO website. The request for a benefits extension was submitted by FFAW-Unifor on April 18 to Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development as a result of the severe financial hardship experienced by harvesters due to delays in the snow crab and lobster fisheries on the province’s northeast and west coast.
conditions. The announcement was welcomed news to the many families in need of funds to cover basic financial needs, however as spring ice conditions are a common occurrence in our province, a permanent solution with no waiting period is needed for both fish harvesters and plant workers affected by these delays.
42 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 FFAW | UNIFOR STAFF REPRESENTATIVES
LABRADOR Cartwright Churchill Falls Labrador City Cartwright Wabush Happy Valley- Goose Bay
Battle Harbour
St. Anthony ILL RODERI
Inshore Director
White Bay
Fogo Island Notre Dame Bay
Northern Peninsula
Bay of Islands Deer Lake Gander Bonavista Bay Grand Falls- Port au Port Corner Brook Windsor Bonavista Peninsula
Stephenville NEWFOUNDLAND Trinity GREG RETTY ASON S INGLE Clarenville
Industrial/Retail/Deepsea N Director ST. JOHN’S P L Port aux Basques Burgeo Avalon Placentia Peninsula Grand Bank Marystown
ONTY WAY ROLAND HEDDERSON OHN OLAND SHARON WALSH
I P B E I R O B R E I N N ELECTED LEADERSHIP
FFAW-Unifor is overseen by the 19 member Executive Board, which is elected every three years. Below the Executive Board, there are two councils; the Inshore Council and the Industrial/ Retail/ Offshore Council. These councils are also elected every three years. Each Council has numerous committees on various issues such as regional or species specific committees.
FFAW-Unifor is overseen by the 19 member Executive Board, which is elected every 3 years. Below the Executive Board, there are two councils; the Inshore Council and the Industrial/ Retail/Offshore Council. These councils are also elected every 3 years. Each Council has numerous committees.
Keith Sullivan PRESIDENT David Decker SECRETARY-TREASURER Tony Doyle INSHORE VICE-PRESIDENT Doretta Strickland INDUSTRIAL VICE-PRESIDENT Loomis Way INSHORE NORTHERN PENINSULA/LABRADOR Nelson Bussey INSHORE AVALON PENINSULA Kevin Hardy INSHORE WEST AND SOUTHWEST COAST Glen Newbury INSHORE NORTHEAST COAST Mike Noonan INSHORE CREW MEMBER Joan Doucette INSHORE WOMEN’S POSITION Nancy Fillier INDUSTRIAL NORTHERN PENINSULA & LABRADOR Sheila Howell INDUSTRIAL NORTHEAST COAST Joey Warford INDUSTRIAL NON-FISHING Charles Baker INDUSTRIAL SOUTH AND SOUTHWEST COAST Warren Broderick INDUSTRIAL-RETAIL-OFFSHORE AT SEA
EXECUTIVE BOARD EXECUTIVE Karen Caines INDUSTRIAL WOMEN’S POSITION
44 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 INDUSTRIAL-RETAIL-OFFSHORE COUNCIL
Doretta Strickland VP-IRO, OCI TRITON Eric Day BGI, HARBOUR BRETON Charles Baker EXEC BOARD/GD. BANKS SEAFOOD Flora Mills ND COMFORT COVE Nancy Fillier EXEC BOARD/LFUSC Gerard Walsh OFFSHORE TANKERS Sheila Howell EXEC BOARD Hubert Stacey OCI ST. LAWRENCE Joey Warford EXEC BOARD/MOLSON Lloyd Squibb HR. GRACE COLD STORAGE Karen Caines EXEC BOARD Maudie Maloney SHAWMUT Warren Broderick EXEC BOARD Melvin Lockyer ICEWATER Barry McDoland OCI SHRIMP Peter Winsor BEOTHIC Barry Randell OCI BONAVISTA Ruby Sheppard FRC Betty Brett FOGO ISLAND CO-OP Sharon White DEEP ATLANTIC Candace Francis OCI PORT AUX CHOIX Trudy Byrne ST. ANTHONY SEAFOODS Keith Sheppard PENNECON Vicki Morris LAB. SHRIMP CO. PROCESSORS Ed English M&M OFFSHORE
INSHORE COUNCIL 2016-2019
Tony Doyle INSHORE VICE-PRESIDENT Eldred Woodford N. HEAD TO POINT ALBERT INCL. NEW Loomis Way N. PENINSULA & LABRADOR WORLD ISLAND AND TWILLINGATE Nelson Bussey AVALON PENINSULA Basil Goodyear GANDER BAY TO CAPE FREELS, INCL. Vacant WEST & SOUTHWEST COASTS FOGO AND CHANGE ISLANDS Glen Newbury NORTHEAST COAST Dennis Chaulk NEWTOWN TO ELLISTON Joan Doucette WOMEN’S POSITION Gilbert Penney LITTLE CATALINA TO GREEN’S HARBOUR Mike Noonan CREW MEMBER Keith Smith WHITEWAY TO CARBONEAR Jim Chidley POUCH COVE TO POINT LANCE Vacant HR. GRACE TO PORTUGAL COVE NORTH Brian Careen ST. BRIDES TO SWIFT CURRENT Alton Rumbolt HENLEY HARBOUR TO CARTWRITGHT Alfred Fitzpatrick MONKSTOWN TO GARNISH Larry Pinksen CREW MEMBER Dan Baker ST. BERNARDS TO MACCALLUM Darrin Marsh CREW MEMBER Kevin Hardy FRANCOIS TO CODROY Shelly White CREW MEMBER Roger Lacosta HIGHLANDS TO COX’S COVE Loretta Kelly WOMEN’S POSITION Frank Piercey TROUT RIVER TO NODDY BAY & L’ANSE Nancy Bowers WOMEN’S POSITION AU CLAIR TO RED BAY Denise Hillier WOMEN’S POSITION Michael Symmonds QUIRPON TO ENGLEE Ren Genge MEMBER AT LARGE Albert Wells JACKSON’S ARM TO N. HEAD <40’ Kevin Best MEMBER AT LARGE Randy Randell JACKSON’S ARM TO N. HEAD >40’ Glen Winslow MEMBER AT LARGE Andy Careen MEMBER AT LARGE
Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 45 INSHORE COUNCIL ELECTION RESULTS Ballots from the Inshore Council election were counted in April. We welcome many new inshore council members who will be installed into their positions at the fall Inshore Council meeting. We extend sincere thanks all outgoing members for their dedication and contributions over the last three years.
Clayton Moulton MONKSTOWN TO GARNISH Roger Fowlow FRANCIS TO CODROY Darren Boland HIGHLANDS TO COX COVE Blaine Crocker TROUT RIVER TO EDDIE’S COVE WEST Robert Robertson CAPE ST. JOHN TO NORTH HEAD Aubrey Brinson GANDER BAY TO CAPE FREELS (INCL. FOGO AND CHANGE ISLANDS) Matthew Petten HARBOUR GRACE TO CAPE ST. FRANCIS Harrison Campbell HENLEY HARBOUR TO CARTWRIGHT Darrin Marsh Little CATALINA TO GREEN’S HARBOUR Jamie Aylward CREW MEMBER Jody Seward CREW MEMBER Matthew Jones CREW MEMBER Loretta Kelly WOMEN’S POSITION Ivan Lear YOUNG HARVESTER Jay Ryan YOUNG HARVESTER William White AT LARGE
CROSSWORD
Across 1 2 3 2. Town on the Burin Peninsula 4 5 4. Caviar of the north 6. Greenland halibut 6 8. DFO headquarters 10. Sea snail 7 12. Complaint against employer 8 9 13. Choice of bait 16. Type of pelagic 10 17. Allotment of fish 11 18. Cut of halibut 12
Down 13 1. Crab or lobster 3. Rare white lobster 5. Type of gear 14 15 7. Fish, Food and _____ Workers 9. Beacon 16 11. First president of FFAW 14. Hometown of current FFAW President 15. Method of conserving reproductive lobster 17
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46 - The Union Forum Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 FLASHBACK
Do you recognize these people? Who are they? What are they doing? If you know the answers please send them to [email protected] and your name will be entered for a prize. The winner will be announced in the next issue of The Union Forum.
Last issue’s flashbacks photo was correctly identified by May Fudge as Ray Mitchell, Bill Noseworthy, Phil Farrell and Charles Brown feeding the IQF belt at FPI in Marystown.
Issue No. 06 - Summer 2019 The Union Forum - 47 NORTH ATLANTIC MARINE CONSULTING SERVICES Celebrating 27 years in the Marine Business
SERVICES CONTACT All Types of Marine Surveys O ce: 709 737-2182 Cell: 709 330-2182 Suite 801, TD Place, 140 Water St. Vessel & License Appraisals St. John’s, NL A1C 6H6 Marine Insurance Claims [email protected]
PROFESSIONAL MARINE CONSULTANTS Christopher Ash, President OCEAN MARINE MARKETING INC. Vessel Brokerage Fishing Enterprise Brokerage Christopher Ash Marine Product Sourcing (New and Used) President O ce: 709 737-2182 We have Fishing Enterprises for sale in Cell: 709 330-2182 Suite 801 TD Place, 140 Water St. Fishing Areas 2J, 3K, 3L, 3Ps 3PN & 4R. St. John’s, NL A1C 6H6 (With and without vessels) [email protected]